Western Odisha

Western Odisha Kosal (Western Orissa)
Population  (2001)
• Total	9,001,406

The Sambalpuri region (also known as Koshal/Kosala) comprises the vast geographical and culturally homogeneous area of Western Orissa, India. Kosala is one of the several names by which Orissa was known in the ancient period, i.e. prior to the 5th century A.D. The region exhibits certain degree of cultural uniformity in terms of demography and life-style, and extends from Kalahandi district in the south to the Sundargarh district in the northwest, thereby including whole of the pre-1993 districts of Sambalpur, Kalahandi, Sundargarh and Balangir and some part of the then-undivided Koraput, Dhenkanal and Phulbani districts.

A separationist movement has emerged in this area and some people of this region are demanding a politically separate Koshal state from the State of Orissa.. The movement has failed to gain any large scale popularity earlier, but the momentum changed dramatically with the formation of a regional political party called Koshal Kranti Dal, who will fight for a separate koshal state in a democratic way by participating in the general elections.

Demographics

Nearly 40% of population of the Sambalpuri region are autochthonous tribal or Adivasis. However, since last five decades, a large numbers of Hindi speaking populace, belonging to non-Koshali communities like Gujaratis, Marwaris (Rajasthanis), Punjabis etc. have migrated into the region and adopted themselves well to the local culture. They boosted up the economy of western Orissa, adopting Sambalpuri as their language of communication, thus making them a part of the koshali culture and heritage. The people in the region have tied and dyed colourful sarees (Sambalpuri Saree) for several hundred years.

Population

District	District Head quarter	Area (sq.km.)	Population 1991 Census	Population 2001 Census
Balangir	Balangir	6,575	1,230,938	1,335,760
Bargarh	Bargarh	5,837	1,207,172	1,345,601
Baudh (Boudh)	Baudh	3,098	317,622	373,038
Debagarh (Deogarh)	Debagarh	2,940	234,238	274,095
Jharsuguda	Jharsuguda	2,081	446,726	509,056
Kalahandi	Bhawanipatna	7,920	1,130,903	1,334,372
Nuapada	Nuapada	3,852	469,482	530,524
Sambalpur	Sambalpur	6,675	809,017	928,889
Subarnapur	Sonepur	2,337	476,815	540,659
Sundargarh	Sundargarh	9,712	1,573,617	1,829,412

(Source: Census of India, 2001)

Geography

Geographically, this tract of land is mostly mountainous and hilly, interspersed with rivers and valleys. The floral diversity and topographical variety ensures the experience of all the six seasons in this area.In the last few decades, western Orissa is suffering from repeated drought. . Koshal region is considered the poorest region in India.

Sambalpuri language

The chief communicative language of the Koshal region is Sambalpuri. The spoken language has a soft, melodious and lyrical accent. Not much research have been done on the accent and phonetics of the Sambalpuri language, and it is generally considered a dialect of Oriya; however, some varieties of Sambalpuri may not be mutually intelligible with standard Oriya, which lends support to claims that it is totally a separate language. Sambalpuri is spoken in 10 district of Western Orissa.

Art and culture

Koshal region is in influenced by all existing cults and religions that we find in Indian history. Its history dates back to the Mahabharat and Buddhist period. The language which exists today cannot be simply categorized as a queer mixture of peripherals languages and literatures of a century or two. Rather, it speaks of a dialect which exist for more than thousand years which undauntly persists in spite of foreign suppression, war and home domination. With this background a special mention may be made to the folk songs and dances of this area which are being revived and recognised during last quarter of a century. Beginning from “Dand” (Danda Yatra and Danda Nata), which is considered to be one of the oldest forms of variety entertainment in India, to the modern “Krushnaguru Bhajan”, the type of folk lyrics and songs which have flowed and drenched this soil give testimony of its eternity.

Dance

The children’s verses are known as “Chhiollai”, “Humobauli” and “Dauligit”, the adolescent poems are “Sajani”, “Chhata”, “Daika”, “Bhekani” : the eternal youth composes “Rasarkeli”, “Jaiphul”, “Maila Jada”, “Bayamana”, “Gunchikuta” and “Dalkhai”, The work-man’s poetry comprises of “Karma” and “Jhumer” pertaining to Lord Vishwakarma and the “Karamashani” goddess. The professional entertainers perform Dand, Danggada, Mudgada, Ghumra, Sadhana, sabar – Sabaren, Disdigo, Nachina – Bajnia, Samparda and Sanchar. They are for all occasions, for all time with varieties of rhythm and rhyme.

Folk musical instruments

The folk musical instruments which are in vogue in the Koshal region are as follows : Dhulak, Pakhoj, Dugitabla, Mridanga, Mardal, Nalbaja, Dhapada, Timkidi, Nagara, Behela, Khanjani, Dhapli, Muhuri, Bansi, Singh-Kahali, Bir-Ka-hali, Ghulghula, Ghunguru, Kendera, Khadkhadi, Ektara, Ghumra, Gini, Kathi, Jhanj, Dhol, Madal, Nishan and Tasha.

Out of these the Dhol, Madal, Nishan and Tasha are the four oldest percussion instruments without any modification which have been used in combination or in to two in almost all types of folk songs. Dhol is the oldest instrument of this region, which is the easiest to make. Madal is the second percussion instrument which shows craftsmanship and research. Nishan is the miniature of Nagara which is supposed to be carried by the dancer over his shoulder or around his waist, while he dances.

Rangabati

Rangabati is a modern folk song written about 1975, which enjoyed international popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.

The Sambalpuri saree

File:Sbpsaree.jpeg

Sambalpuri handloom is a world famous handloom making it's presence felt all over India. Apart from Sambalpuri, there are Sonepuri, Pasapali, Bomkai, Barpali, Bapta saris, (all belongs to the ‘Sambalpuri’ saree category) which have substantial demand. Most of them have been named after the places of their origin. Popularly known as ‘Pata’, these saris are beautiful, comfortable and durable. Paintings on Tussar saris depicting Mathura Vijay, Raslila and Ayodhya Vijay owe their origin to ‘Raghurajpur patta paintings’.

Fabric and Design

• Sambalpuri handloom is having its original style of craft in Sambalpuri Bandha. Craftsman create Bandha of Kumbha , Matcha (fish) and Phula (Flower), traditionally, when the demand of time gradually changed the craft into modern. Attracted by the paintings gradually new types of Bandha such as portrait, landscape prints of women, human being, flower pods, animals have been designed.

• 'Baandha' is one of the most versatile and tedious form of textile designing in Sambalpuri handlooms. Like 'Ikat' this is also a tie-dye technique. The yarns are tied according to the desired patterns to prevent absorbtion of dyes and then dyed. The unique feature of this form of designing is that the designs get reflected almost identically on both side of the fabric.It is believed that this art migrated to Western Orissa along with the Bhulia community who fled Northern india in the year 1192A.D. after the fall of chouhan empire at the hands of the Mughals. Since then upto the year 1925 it flourished in Western Orissa in a limited number of designs and in vegetable colours and consisted mostly of sarees that was used by the women folk of the Kosal region. These sarees were known as 'Bhulia-Kapta'. The demand was limited, distress sale was common and the craftsmen lived in penury.

Sambalpuri Textiles and Master Craftsmen

Today it is popularly known by its Geographical and Cultural name 'Sambalpuri' owing to the pioneering efforts of late Radhashyam Meher, who brought about a radical improvement in the skills of the craftsmen and the quality of the products.This has enabled 'Baandha' art textiles to reach its pinnacle of glory, commanding the admiration of the people from all walks of life in the entire World.Along with Sri Radhasyam Meher,another master craftsmenLate Padmashree Kunja bihari Meher, Padmashree chatrubhuja meher and Padmashree Krutharth Acharya contributed a lot for the growth of Sambalpuri Handloom.'Sambalpuri' textiles today consists of furnishing materials,dress materials and sarees in silk, cotton and mercirised cotton in a variety of colours and countless designs.The textiles that are woven in Western Orissa or Kosal region and displays the exqusite craftsmanship of the 'Baandha' craftsmen is popularly known as Sambalpuri textiles.It is pertinent to note that the Baandha craftsmen are also masters of the 'extra warp' and 'extra weft' style of designing.A fine blend of all the above mentioned forms of designing can be seen in almost all forms of Baandha textiles.Radhashyam Meher also produced Khadi textiles using the Baandha art.

In the year 1926 Radhashyam designed the first handloom to weave textiles of ninety inches width. This unique achievement made him the 'Parda agent' of the Goverment of Bihar for production of furnishing materials.Later after the formation of the state of Orissa he became the 'Parda agent' of the goverment of Orissa.His dexterity in Baandha art and ability to motivate the weaving community of Kosal Region to improve their skills by giving the necessary training and incentives enabled the creation of new designs that received International fame and recognition.

He established his Proprietory concern named 'Utkal Parda Agency' at Sambalpur that was engaged in research,production and marketing of 'Sambalpuri' textiles.He transformed the 'Bhulia-kapta' into the glamarous Parda sarees that won the hearts of the contemporary women and captured for itself a niche in the World of fashion and glamour. These sarees also came to be known as the 'Sambalpuri' saree.'Baandha' textiles that are being produced in Western Orissa is popularly known as Sambalpuri textile since it developed and flourished from Sambalpuri Speaking Region.This has enriched the art and cultural heritage of India and made the nation proud. He is therefore known as the 'Father of Sambalpuri textiles' who 'Herald the era of Baandha art'. Aknowledging Radhashyam Meher's unparalled contribution to the growth and popularity of 'Baandha art', the Ministry of Textiles,Goverment of India has sponsored textile exihibitions coinciding with his birth anniversary;20th day of November; which is organised by the Director of Textiles,Goverment of Orissa. Radhashyam Meher participated in the strugle for freedom.He played an active role in the quit India movement of 1942. he was jailed for a year along with a fine of rupees one hundred for stalling the proceedings in the court of Sambalpur. He tried to remove untouchability and organised a Movement to allow 'Harijans' to enter temples from 2-10- 1946 to 4-10 1946. Three thousand people participated in the event. He strove to maintain communal harmony that kept the region free from riots even during the hey days of the communal outrage in the country. He also played an active role in the cooperative movement and organised the Meher Art Fabrics cooperative society ltd and the Sambalpur Regional cooperative Marketing Society Ltd.(RCMS) He was a member of the All India Handloom Board in the year 1953. Till his death he was always elected as the member of the Sambalpur Municipality. He always tried to contribute to society without expecting any gain or honour,He is an inspiration to future generation.Yet,It is this Selflessness that has consigned him to oblivion. The Art, Culture,customs and tradition prevalent throughout Western orissa are almost homogenous and so the whole of Western Orissa proudly affilliat themselves with the 'Sambalpuri' brand.

Industry

Roughly 16 km from the district headquarters of Sonepur, Sagarpali is a big village hosting around 500 bhulia (weaver) families. This is, in fact, one of the largest weaving villages in western Orissa, a bastion of the Sambalpuri sari. Here, weavers wove magic out of cotton and silk threads from their mongas (handmade weaving machines). The exquisite saris they produced found their way into practically every home in the nearby towns and far-off metros like Delhi and Mumbai. The other area affluent with weavers of this handloom are Barpali, Tarbha, Bijepur, Bargarh etc.

Terracotta

Terracotta is also a traditional Sambalpuri art of making things using clay.

Traditional costumes of Sambalpuri women

Koshali tribal women wear a type of necklace known as Khagla, a round ornament made from silver. In the upper part of the ear they use an ornament known as Jhalka, in the earlobe they wear an ornament called Gathia, and in the nose, an ornament known as Jharaguna.

In their hair they wear Panpatri, Belkhadi, (a small stick used to clip flowerbuds onto hair). They wear two types of ornaments in their hands, known as Katria and Bandria. (In the arms they used to wear one type of ornament known as Tadla). In the legs they wear Painry or Tudal. Rings are also used on fingers and toes.

They also wear Janyiphool and Karai Phool, two types of flower. The cloth which local women wear is known as Kapta, that is same as Sambalpuri Saree but is shorter, less wide and thicker.

Large structures and monuments

• The Hirakud Dam
• Ordinance Factory

Badmal Balangir is the only Ordinance factory of Orissa.

Tourist Places of Kosal region

Places of natural beauty are in abundance in Western Orissa(Kosal). The Patala Ganga spot at Nuapada District is also a place of attraction for tourists. Ushakothi, Hirakud and Budrama in Sambalpur district attract the attention of tourists. Similarly, the Khandadhar Waterfall in Sundargarh district is also a tourist spot. The Mahanadi and the Tel river in Suvarnapur district present beautiful natural scenes and the confluence of the two rivers present a memorable sight.

The following tourist spots are there in the kosal Region:

Bargarh

• Debrigarh - A peak in the Barapahar hills where Veer Surendra Sai the great Koshali freedom fighter was captured in 1864 by British solders and also has a wildlife sanctuary.
• Other Places of Tourism- Kedarnath Temple at Ambabhona, Baidyanath Temple at Deogaon, Balunkeswar Temple at Gaisama, Swapneswar Temple at Sorna, Visweswar Temple at Soranda, and Nilakantheswar Temple at Nilji

Balangir

• Patnagarh- The ancient capital of the kingdom of Patna is famouse for the 12th Century Someswar Siva Temple and Patneswari Temple.
• Ranipur-Jharial- Famous for the Hypaethral Temple of sixty-four Yoginis and being a place of religious confluence of faiths like Saivism, Buddhism, Vaisnavism and Tantrism.
• Saintala Known for its Chandi temple and images depicting ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
• Turekela Attractive for viewing colorful wild life, like tigers, dear, bears, monkeys etc. and

chirping birds perched on trees.

• Dharpagarh- Religious importance with a big tank called "Dashamati Sagar" guarded with the shrines of Chandi, Duarsuni, Samaleswari, Patneswari, Siva and Vishnu.
• Harishankar - Famous for 15th Centaury Vishnu and Bhairavi Temple stands on the Southern slope of the Gandhamardan hills complemented by uncommon scenic charms and a perennial stream.

Boudh

• Three remarkable Buddhist statues situated in Boudh town, shyamsundarpur village, and Pragalapur village; ninth century A.D.old Rameswar temple; Jogindra Villa Palace; Hanuman temple, Chandra Chuda & Matengeswar temple; Gandharadi temple, Padmatola Sanctuary, and Nayakpada Cave.

Deogarh

• Pradhanpat- Waterfall on the Pradhanpat hill and a place of scenic beauty.

Jharsuguda

• Gujapahar, Kuilighugar, Pikalghugar- Scenic Spot
• Vikramkhol-Pictographic Inscriptions

Kalahandi

• Other Tourist Places- Dharmagarh (Historical Site); Talguda (Fort); Mardiguda, Thuamul- Rampur, and Jakam (Scenic Spot); Kusurla and Sapagaranda (Religious Centre).

Nuapada

• Budhikomna and Patalaganga- Religious Centre
• Patora, Sindursil and Thipakhol- Scenic Spot
• Yogimatha- Cave Paintings

Sambalpur

• Huma- Famous for Leaning temple of Lord Siva ( Relatively more oldest and leaned than the leaning tower of Pissa).
• Ushakothi- Wild life sanctuary harbours elephants, tigers, gours, sambars, black panthers, deer, spotted deer, and wild bears etc.
• Kandhara- Birthplace of Poet Bhima Bhoi (the great propounder of Mahima Dharma), and a

pilgrimage-cum-sight seeing spot.

• Sambalpur town- Famouse for several temples of of Liakhai, Madanmohan, Satyabadi, Bariha, Brahampura, Dadhibamana, Timini, Gopalji, Budharaja Shiva Temple, Maneswar Shiva Temple, Gupteswar, Balunkeswar, Loknath, the Goddess Samaleswari, Pataneswari, Batmangala, Budhimaa, and Mahamayi etc. and Sambalpuri handlooms.
• Other Tourist Places- Gudguda (Scenic Spot), Chipilima (Ghanteswari Temple, natural fall, State livestock Breeding Farm and Agricultural Farm) and Hatibari

Sonepur

• Binika(Papakshya Ghat)-Religious Centre.
• Chandalipat Puja Dunguri- Religious Centre.
• Sonepur town- Known as the ‘Second Varanasi of India’ abode there several temples and gardens such as Suvarnameru (situated on the on the left bank of river Tel towards the southwest of the confluence of river Mahanadi and Tel), Gopinatha, Dadhivamana Deva, Sri Vrindavan Vihari, Gundicha, Sureswari, Stamv esvari or Khamvesvari, Bhagavati, Samalesvari, Budhi Samalei, Manikesvari, Narayani, Sitalei, Lankesvari, and Sasisena.
• Charada- Historical Site.
• Khaliapali- Mahima Shrine

Sundergarh

• Rourkela- Steel Plant and Hanuman Temple,
• Vedvyas, Ghogar- Religious Centre
• Khandadhar, Miriglotah- Waterfall
• Junagada- Fort
• Chhatri Hill, Darjeeng, Deodaraha, Mandira- Scenic Spot

External links

• Govt. Website on Sambalpur
• Govt. website on Balangir
• Latest Western Orissa News
• Official wesite of the Non-Resident Koshali
• Sambalpur Photos and Wallpapers
• Only Matrimony site of Kosal
• Western Orissa Development Council
• Voice of Western Orissa